PUMA and Michael Lau Present the "Sample Suede" for the Shoe's 50th Anniversary

PUMA is celebrating 50 years of its iconic Suede silhouette through a joint venture with the godfather of urban vinyl toys, Hong Kong artist Michael Lau. Their collaboration takes the form of the Sample Suede, and just as the name implies, the design is inspired by sample sneakers, used throughout the industry as a model for production or final testing. The prototype feel is reinforced by various work-in-progress details, including an "L" on the heel tab of the left shoe and "R" on the right; the Chinese character for "sample" on a sample swatch for the tongue and sockliner; and zig-zag finishing on the Formstripe, eyestay and tongue. There's also mismatched coloring on the left and right shoe, as well as embossed detailing on the heel that reads "50 Sample Suede Not For You Only For Me."

Completing the collab is a new Lau creation, the "Worth Cat." The limited-edition autographed figurine is inspired by the shape of the sample tag and the PUMA Cat, with each figure bearing a different expression and finished in one of the seven shades used on the accompanying sneaker.

Expect the kicks to launch January 20th at select PUMA retailers and puma.com.